Parliament Question: Mobile Towers in PVTG Villages in Andhra Pradesh

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 668 ANSWERED ON 22ND JULY, 2026 MOBILE TOWERS IN PVTG VILLAGES IN ANDHRA PRADESH 668. DR. C M RAMESH: Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state: (a) whether it is true that the Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecom has sanctioned mobile towers in 1010 habitations in (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group) PVTG tribal villages in Andhra Pradesh under PM JANMAN with an estimated cost of Rs. 95 crores; (b) if so, the details of habitations covered in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh where there are more than 8,500 PVTG tribal population; and (c) the details of the status of implementation of the above project? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR) (a) to (c) As on 30.06.2026, 3,231 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) villages/habitations have got 4G mobile coverage, out of 4,543 PVTG villages/ habitations identified under Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) program. These villages/ habitations were covered under 4G mobile projects funded by Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), and no specific fund was allocated for providing mobile coverage to PVTG habitations/ villages. In the State of Andhra Pradesh, of the identified villages/ habitations, 1,409 PVTG habitations/ villages have got 4G mobile coverage, of which 9 are in Anakapalli District. ***** 1